From post #244.
These Kid Rock threads, while discussing an "issue" which apparently was wholly manufactured by Donnie Wild-Man and WND and thus of no direct consequence, have nonetheless brought out posts, like that above, which give a VERY disturbing look at one segment of the conservative coalition. Such opinions as that are an indicator of why the GOP's victories of late have in fact been so close, when they SHOULD have been far larger.
If a small, but vocal, part of our movement persists in claiming that there is only one "true" strain of conservatism, and all others are simply some kind of suckers or "robots", then they will continue to drive people into other waiting arms.
It would seem almost that they cannot handle the idea of the Right containing people who like to enjoy life their own way, without moral tut-tutting from self-proclaimed "superiors". They would do well to remember that those who follw this line comprise only about 20% of the GOP vote, and that is considered unreliable.
As the younger set becomes politically active, they will bring with them their own ways of doing things, of entertaining themselves, and thinking. The party cannot "hold" itself to things of the past so strongly that that younger set decides it might be better served elsewhere. It cannot likewise provide ample fodder for the Left to bash us, as it SURELY would if such opinions as above recieved wide notice. Those posting them, who claim soo much "intelligence", seem to be ignorant of the overall effect of such nonsensical pronouncements. Furthermore, they should be asking themselves why they seek to sow such division amongst us, and why they feel that such division is useful.
We have been assured that a "true, pure" conservative can win. Alan Keyes provided ample evidence that this is false. Whether the moralists realize it or not, if a party is seen as hostile or condescending to those who like some spice with their politics, and anti-fun, it will be shunned by a larger and larger segment of society that WILL come of age soon, and which will hold off its support.
Younger people havbe every reason to support the GOP...it stands FOR reform of Social Security, taxes, and FOR national security in the face of terrorism. It also seeks reform of the legal system, and a return of sanity to the education system and the judiciary.
All these things are of strong concern to younger voters. So-called "morals", enforced at the point of a finger and emphasized with a sermon, are not, at least not as articulated by the preachers.
Good comments, LC.
By your rationale, to increase the margin of the GOP's "victories," maybe the Republican Party ought to rescind it's "pro life" platform, it's "pro-gun" platform," and maybe even reconsider Bill Clinton's White House behavior as "not so bad after all."
Goodness only knows how much larger the GOP's "base" would become after shoving those pesky issues off the table.
Should be a GOP landslide by then, right?
Yeah and how many of the idealogically pure were fleeced on that scam?
I agree with your comments. The GOP is comprised of all types of individuals. Some who feel they "own" Pres. Bush and are able to manipulate the agenda based on their religious views. Then there are others who believe in supporting Pres. Bush and letting people live according to their own rules and standards without judging others. Everyone has a right to express their views, but not dictate how they live their lives.
("I'm glad they vote GOP. I think it is simply that they aren't too bright. I think they are the oft spoken of "mind numbed robots". From post #244.)
Obviously this statement happens to be very false since their are plenty of us who express our views, don't follow the right wing agenda, and think for ourselves. As far as being able to guarantee our votes because we are "mind numbed robots....I can only speak for myself, but no one gets my vote without plenty of thought and consideration.
Excellent! Very well said. The one thing that is driving me up the wall about all of this is the assumption that...if we don't agree with them, politcally, that we are somehow lacking in morals and/or intelligence. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I guess I am pretty typical in some ways, of the Gen-X voters that have come to be more conservative as I have grown. I have a strong belief in God, family, and community. I have served in the military. I attend church, and stay at home to raise my children while my husband works. I stay on top of what my children are exposed to, and boycott things I don't agree with. The health and well being of my family is my first priority. It is not a responsibility I take lightly, nor do I abdicate it to others outside of my control. I respect the rights of others to run their lives as they see fit...I am in no position to tell anyone else that they are unprincipled, immoral, or unworthy of being called a conservative simply because they disagree.
There is room enough for all of us under "the big tent", and I see no rhyme or reason in name calling and jockying for power and position. If some folks in our movement want to change laws to reflect their morals, then they have the perfect right to try to do so. Bashing people who share a lot of the same political beliefs (and those who do not) is not going to help them in their quest. People are more amenable to change if they are persuaded to it, rather than coerced. Change also has a better chance of becoming permanent if it something society mutually agrees on, rather than has forced upon them.
No one in this country-be it conservative or liberal-has the right to impose their personal beliefs on someone else. If this type of thing continues, then folks that behave in that way will find themselves in a diminished party, with very little power. Marginalized.
Do you like Laura Ingrahm?
Interestingly your argument greatly parrallels Michael Moore's buck-up letter after the dem loss relating to how the young will bring their ideas forth etc...
I kept referring to post #244 last night,but couldn't get a reply to what was posted in it.
Bump for book mark of post #364
Reagan proved that it is true. You don't need sodomy singers at the Republican convention. Why do you assume that all "cool" people would want to hear Kid Rock and "Balls in your Mouth"? Some "cool" people might not even think he is cool. Anyhow --- even the democrats have caught on that the Christian vote cost them the election --- so why should Republicans let go of it now?
Those who incessantly moralize apparently think of the rest of us as suckers. Interesting "logic" they use, too...and totally self-serving and arrogant.